I jumped on the occasion to buy this book of history as I know the product. Better yet, the photographs are of lithograph quality and regular press images. Maybe several hundred photographs, the Yankee gentlemen sport fashions and beards second to none. Their muttonchops and goatees are in the majority. Moustaches are few and only a couple of "dudes" are clean shaven. I like it.
My task of thumbing through the entire biographical bible took more than an hour. As my work brings me throughout Worcester County I am familiar with many names and Yankee clients. In 1899 I doubt if there were 10 automobiles in Worcester County! Everybody was a farmer or a small businessman or factory owner.
Prouty and Wells were amongst the biggest. Mr. Haston is featured because of his munificence in donating the public library in NB bearing his name. Milo Drake comes to mind as does Long View Farm owners, the Stoddard family. The big name in West Brookfield was E.H. Blair. His home was my home...the ornate yellow Victorian house where curtains were sold.
My plan for the future of this book is simple: POSTERITY for Chase, Lily, Madeline and Evelyn. Nothing will be better than to place it on their bookshelf. Photographic reference will be invaluable.
So with this at hand...I will tie my "four-in-hand" Australian necktie featuring an embroidered kangaroo! The real deal from Down Under!
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